"Abnormal deposits that build up in the brain during Alzheimer’s have been pictured in unprecedented detail by UK scientists," reports BBC News. Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by two proteins that take abnormal forms and build up in the brain: beta amyloid plaques and tangles of tau protein, both of which are thought to contribute to the
"A common ingredient of soap and toothpaste could be causing antibiotic resistance and fuelling the spread of superbugs," the Mail Online reports. This news follows the results of a study that looked at whether there could be a common reason why some gut bacteria have resistance to both the quinolone class of antibiotics and the chemical triclosan.
"Millions of people taking common heartburn and indigestion medications could be at an increased risk of death," The Guardian reports after a US study found people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) had a slightly higher risk of death than the control group. PPIs reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. As well as being
"Brain training games boost the memory and may reduce the risk of dementia, new research suggests," The Daily Telegraph reports. Researchers used an app called Game Show to treat people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Amnestic mild cognitive impairment, which is characterised by problems with short-term memory worse than expected for a person of that age,
"Nearly a quarter of women who don’t make cervical screening appointments are unaware that the process even exists, according to a UK survey," BBC News reports. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, the entrance to the womb. It’s responsible for around 900 deaths a year in the UK. Regular screening appointments
"Over-the-counter magnesium tablets significantly improve depression in just two weeks, new research reveals," the Mail Online reports. A small study found that people taking the supplements – on top of their existing treatment – reported an improvement in depression symptoms. However, because the study wasn’t blinded (people knew what they were taking) the improvements could have
"Boys who get fat in their teenage years are much more likely to suffer a life-threatening stroke as an adult, experts today warned," The Sun reports. Swedish researchers suspect the association could be down to the effects of high blood pressure, a known risk factor for strokes. The study involved almost 40,000 Swedish men, who
"A ‘painless’ sticking plaster flu jab that delivers vaccine into the skin has passed important safety tests in the first trial in people," BBC News reports. Results of a small phase 1 trial were encouraging, with no serious side effects reported. The patch, around the size of a standard plaster, contains 100 "microneedles" – tiny
"Middle-aged male office workers ‘more sedentary than over-75-year-olds’," The Daily Telegraph reports. A survey in Scotland suggests previous studies may have underestimated sedentary behaviour in middle-age by not asking about time at work, which for many people increasingly involves sitting at a desk. Researchers surveyed more than 14,000 people about their time spent doing activities –
"Your coffee machine could be making you ill," the Mail Online reports, saying that steam released by the machine could be creating the perfect conditions for fungi to grow. The Sun reports a similar risk for kettles and showers. But before you throw out your expensive coffee pod machine or trusty kettle, the research behind
Most Commented